Calculate your Buergergeld entitlement based on household size, housing costs, and income.
What is Buergergeld and how does it replace Hartz IV?
Buergergeld replaced the former Hartz IV / ALG II system from January 2023. It provides basic income support for people who can work but cannot find employment or whose income is insufficient. Key improvements include higher standard rates, a more generous asset exemption during the initial period (Karenzzeit), and less punitive sanctions. The 2025 rates start at EUR 563 for a single person.
What are the Buergergeld standard rates for 2025?
The 2025 monthly standard rates are: Single person EUR 563, each partner in a couple EUR 506, youth aged 14-17 EUR 471, children aged 6-13 EUR 390, and children aged 0-5 EUR 357. Housing costs (rent and heating) are covered separately on top of these amounts.
What is the Karenzzeit (grace period) for assets?
During the first 12 months of receiving Buergergeld (Karenzzeit), there is a generous asset exemption of EUR 40,000 for the first person plus EUR 15,000 for each additional household member. After the Karenzzeit, the standard exemption is EUR 15,000 per person. During Karenzzeit, actual housing costs are also covered without applying adequacy rules.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
How Germany's basic income support works, who qualifies, and what you receive
What is Bürgergeld and who can claim it?
Bürgergeld replaced Hartz IV in January 2023 as Germany's basic income support for people who can work but cannot cover their living costs. You can claim it if you are aged 15 to retirement age, live in Germany, and do not earn enough to support yourself. It is means-tested, so your savings and partner's income are taken into account.
How much Bürgergeld do you receive in 2025?
A single person receives €563 per month in 2025. Couples get €506 per person. Children receive between €357 and €471 depending on age. On top of this, the Jobcenter pays your rent and heating costs if they are reasonable for your area. A single person in a mid-sized city might receive around €1,100 to €1,300 total including housing.
How much savings can you have and still get Bürgergeld?
In the first year of receiving Bürgergeld, you can have up to €40,000 in savings per person (Karenzzeit). After the first year, the limit drops to €15,000 per person. Your home is protected and does not count as savings if it is a reasonable size (up to about 130 m² for a four-person household).
Can you work and still receive Bürgergeld?
Yes, you can work alongside Bürgergeld. The first €100 per month of earnings is yours to keep in full. Of earnings between €100 and €520, you keep 20%. Between €520 and €1,000, you keep 30%. Above €1,000 up to €1,200, you keep 10%. This means someone earning €800 per month would keep about €248 on top of their Bürgergeld.
What are your obligations when receiving Bürgergeld?
You must sign a Kooperationsplan (cooperation plan) with your Jobcenter and actively look for work. You need to attend meetings and accept reasonable job offers. If you refuse work or miss appointments without good reason, your Bürgergeld can be cut by up to 30%. In the first six months, sanctions are limited to 10% of the standard rate.
How does Bürgergeld differ from ALG I?
ALG I is paid from unemployment insurance and depends on your previous salary — typically 60% or 67% of net pay. Bürgergeld is a flat-rate basic need payment from tax revenue. ALG I lasts 6 to 24 months; Bürgergeld has no time limit as long as you qualify. Someone who earned €3,000 net might get €1,800 ALG I, but only €563 plus housing as Bürgergeld.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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